Czech mates. Rosicky gets international blessing from Wenger

New Czech national team coach, Pavel Vrba, has confirmed that Tomas Rosicky will continue to represent his country as he begins preparations for their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign later this year.

Vrba travelled to London Colney last week for a meeting with both Rosicky and Arsene Wenger to ascertain the 33-year-old’s aims for the future and appears to have received the blessing of the Frenchman who described his midfielder in glowing terms.

Vrba, who also held chats with Chelsea’s Petr Cech and Tomas Kalas and Watford’s Daniel Pudil, told Czech press that the trip had proved successful even though Rosicky didn’t feature in Arsenal’s win over Fulham.

“The program was very busy and I am glad that I met with four players. It was an important period and we learned everything we needed.

“The only small blot is that Tomas Rosicky did not play against Fulham on Saturday due to a broken nose.

“We explained certain things and it was enlightening for both parties,” Vrba explained of his meeting with the Gunners.

“Wenger said that Tomas has one of the best guys he’s worked with during his time at Arsenal.

“We talked about the future and how we see it going. Tomas has a huge interest in further representing his country.

“I sensed that the national team means a lot [to both Rosicky and Cech], which comes as a great encouragement for us. It’s exactly what I wanted to hear when I travelled to London. Assuming nothing unforeseen happens both Tomas and Petr will be selected for the game against Norway in March.”

Arsene Wenger made clear last week that Rosicky will sign a new deal keeping him at Arsenal for at least one more year although official confirmation of the contract extension is still pending.